No — there are no native snakes in Alaska. Alaska is the only US state where no wild snake species has ever established itself. The cold climate makes survival impossible for cold-blooded reptiles. All snake sightings in Alaska involve escaped or released pets.
There are no snakes in Alaska. Zero. Not a single native species in the entire state — no garter snakes, no rattlesnakes, no harmless garden variety snakes sunning themselves on a rock. Alaska is the only US state where no wild snake has ever truly established itself, and there’s no evidence snakes have ever existed here in modern or historical times.
I’ve spent over a decade working across Alaska for National Geographic, Discovery, Disney, and Animal Planet — hiking through Southeast rainforests, filming on the North Slope, trudging through Interior wetlands — and in all that time I spotted exactly one amphibian: a Western toad on a moose hunt in Southeast Alaska. It stopped me cold. Turned out I knew less about Alaska’s cold-blooded residents than I thought. Here’s everything I found out.
Alaska Reptiles & Amphibians: Quick Facts
| Native snake species | Zero — only US state with none |
| Native lizard species | Zero |
| Native freshwater turtles | Zero |
| Amphibian species | 6 (frogs, toads, salamanders, newts) |
| Sea turtle sightings | 39 documented since 1960 |
| Why no snakes? | Too cold — cold-blooded reptiles can’t survive Alaska winters |
| Occasional snake sightings | Escaped or released pets only |
| Unique fact | Wood Frogs survive by freezing solid in winter |
My Experience with Reptiles & Amphibians in Alaska
I know most folks consider the lack of snakes in Alaska to be a good thing, but I like the slithering reptiles. Growing up snakes were the one major issue that Indiana and I differed on, ultimately it lead me to dress up as Han Solo for most Halloweens.
Now that I’m grown I can appreciate peoples fear of snakes, especially having to spend so much time in the woods while I’m working on Alaska tv shows. I’ve known Alaska didn’t have snakes for a long time, its an easy fact to boast about if you’re a proud resident. And to be honest I thought the state didn’t have any reptiles or amphibians, being cold blooded in a super cold environment and all.
So I was super surprised to come across a tiny toad on one of my last trips north. I was filming a moose hunt in Southeast, Alaska and spotted a Western toad in between the coast line and forrest. It caught me off guard and for a moment I let the hunter get a ways ahead of me while I inspected it. I’ve spent over a decade working in Alaska without seeing any other reptiles or amphibians, so it sent me down a rabbit hole to see what else I didn’t know. The follow is what I found out, hope you enjoy, and never stop exploring!
Why Alaska Has Amphibians But No Reptiles
It comes down to one key difference in how they handle cold. Reptiles — including snakes, lizards, and turtles — are entirely dependent on external heat to survive. They can’t function in extreme cold and they have no mechanism to survive being frozen. Alaska’s winters simply kill them.
Amphibians like frogs and salamanders have evolved a different relationship with cold. The Wood Frog can literally freeze solid and revive in spring. Other species hibernate in mud at the bottom of ponds where temperatures stay just above freezing. They’ve found ways to survive what reptiles cannot.
It’s the same reason Alaska has wolves, moose, and bears — animals that evolved specifically for cold — while tropical species simply can’t get a foothold. Alaska rewards adaptation above everything else.
Amphibians in Alaska
From the tranquil calls of frogs echoing through marshlands to the sleek bodies of salamanders gracefully navigating pristine rivers and streams, these cold-blooded critters are an astonishing story of determination and survival in Alaska.
Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris)
The Columbia Spotted Frog is an amphibian species native to western North America, including southeastern Alaska. These frogs prefer a variety of habitats, including marshes, ponds, and permanent rivers and streams. Their distinctive spotted pattern and unique habitat preferences make them a fascinating addition to Alaska’s diverse amphibian fauna.
Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
The Wood Frog is one of the most remarkable animals in Alaska — not just among amphibians, but among any creature in the state. When winter arrives, the Wood Frog does something almost no other vertebrate on earth can do: it freezes solid.
Its heart stops. Its blood stops flowing. Ice crystals form in its tissues. By any conventional measure, it’s dead. Then spring arrives, the frog thaws out, and it hops away like nothing happened.
The mechanism behind this is a surge of glucose — essentially natural antifreeze — that floods the frog’s cells before freezing, preventing the cell damage that would kill other animals. Wood Frogs are found across Alaska including the North Slope above the Brooks Range — one of the harshest environments on the continent. They’ve earned their place on this list.
Western Toad (Bufo boreas)
This is the only reptile or amphibian I have personally seen in Alaska. It is commonly found in western North America, including southeastern Alaska. These toads inhabit various habitats such as forests, meadows, and wetlands, where they can be found near bodies of water during the breeding season. While not as abundant as in other regions, sightings these amphibians in Alaska are reported, particularly in suitable breeding grounds.
Rough-skin Newt (Taricha granolas)
The Rough-skinned Newt takes its time growing up in Alaska, full metamorphosis from larvae to adult is thought to take two years! These newts are typically found in moist habitats such as forests, swamps, and slow moving streams with lots of vegetation. If you find yourself on a silly survival show in Alaska, don’t eat these amphibians, they are extremely toxic!
Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum)
The Long-toed Salamander can be hard to find, considering adults spend most of their lives underground! The exception being to go on a hot date and procreate of course! These Alaska amphibians hang out in the southeastern region of the state.
Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile)
The Northwestern Salamander is lesser know and studied than other amphibians in Alaska. But we do know they typically prefer freshwater ponds and lakes in the southeastern region of Alaska. While its range extends into neighboring areas, sightings of the Northwestern Salamander in Alaska are rare.
Reptiles Found in Alaska
In Alaska, reptile sightings are exceptionally rare, the only exceptions being encounters with sea turtles or their carcasses. Since 1960 theres only been 39 documented sightings within the state. Apart from these infrequent sea turtles occurrences, Alaska lacks any other reptilian inhabitants.
Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the most common the uncommon reptiles in Alaska. Renowned for its distinctively smooth black or dark blue shell, it differs significantly from other sea turtle species with its lack of a hard shell. Typically found in tropical and temperate waters, sightings of Leatherback Sea Turtles in Alaska are exceptionally rare, theres only been 19. The Alaska Department of Fish and game suggests that these reptiles enjoy feeding on the states rich cold water jellyfish population, and is reason for their presence.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The aptly named Green Sea Turtle is commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. While Alaska is well beyond this reptiles typical range, sporadic sightings of Green Sea Turtles have been reported along the state’s coast. Unfortunately for these Alaska reptiles, the trend in Green sea turtle sightings has been of their carcasses. Scientist aren’t sure of the reason, but there are suspicions around climate change and population distribution.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, known for its olive-green shell and relatively small size compared to other sea turtle species, typically inhabits warm tropical and subtropical waters. However, rare sightings of these remarkable reptiles have been reported in southeastern Alaska, far north of their usual range.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle, characterized by its large head and reddish-brown shell, is primarily found in warmer oceanic regions worldwide. While Alaska is far from this reptiles typical habitat, there have been two sightings of these reptiles in Alaska; one near Kodiak island and the other near Kruzof island.
Are There Snakes in Alaska?
In the thrilling tale of Alaska’s untamed wilderness, there’s a notable absence that even Indiana Jones would appreciate: snakes. Alaska is the only US state where no wild snake has ever truly established itself — no native populations, no historical records, nothing. The cold climate simply makes it impossible for cold-blooded reptiles to survive Alaska’s winters.
| State/Province | Native Snake Species |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 0 |
| Hawaii | 0 (introduced brown tree snake threat) |
| Washington | 12 |
| British Columbia | 3 |
| Texas | 105+ |
That said, snakes do occasionally turn up in Alaska — just not wild ones. There have been reports of snake sightings statewide, from Fairbanks to Anchorage, on the Kenai Peninsula, and throughout Southeast Alaska. These are almost always escaped or released pets. Ball pythons, corn snakes, and common garter snakes are the most frequently reported. In 2017 a 17-foot, 100-pound pet python named Sam went missing in the Mat-Su Valley, triggering a community-wide search. The snake was eventually found — cold, lethargic, and barely moving even on a warm summer day. That tells you everything about Alaska’s hospitality toward snakes.
There have also been whispers of garter snake sightings near hot springs in Southeast Alaska near the British Columbia border, but targeted surveys found no evidence of established populations. Scientists speculate that major flooding events might occasionally wash snakes toward the coast through river drainages, but Alaska’s winters prevent them from surviving long enough to establish themselves.
No snakes, no lizards, no freshwater turtles. The stage is left open for the real stars — wolves, moose, bears, and the occasional very determined Western toad.
Are There Snakes in Alaska? Conclusion
Not everyone can handle the cold terrain of Alaska, and understandably so for our cold blooded reptile friends. With the exception of a few salamanders, frogs, and hearty migrating sea turtles, Alaska is just too damn cold for reptiles and amphibians.
But its abundant population of large mammals more than makes up for it! From majestic bears roaming the forests to playful otters frolicking in the rivers, Alaska’s wildlife offers a captivating spectacle at every turn. So, while you might not spot a snake or lizard sunbathing in the Last Frontier, you’re sure to be enthralled by the diverse array of furry and feathery friends that call this wild land home.
Are There Snakes in Alaska: Resources & References
Gear for Spotting Alaska’s Amphibians
If you’re heading into Alaska’s wetlands and forests specifically hoping to spot frogs, toads, or salamanders, a few things will make the experience better:
Field Guide A good regional field guide is invaluable for identification. Alaska’s amphibians are easy to confuse with each other and a field guide helps you know what you’re actually looking at.
- 📚 Amphibians & Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest — the most relevant regional guide for Alaska’s species
Waterproof Boots Alaska’s amphibians live in marshes, wetlands, stream banks, and forest edges — all wet environments. Waterproof footwear is non-negotiable.
- 🥾 Xtratuf 12″ Legacy Boot — the Alaska standard
Bug Protection The same wetland habitats that host Alaska’s amphibians are prime mosquito territory. Don’t go without it.
- 🦟 Ben’s Wipes — easy to carry, effective
- 🦟 Head Net — looks ridiculous, works perfectly in wetland areas
Camera Alaska’s amphibians are small and skittish. A camera with a decent zoom or macro capability lets you photograph them without disturbing them. Check out our full Alaska Photography guide for gear recommendations.
Are There Snakes in Alaska? FAQs
Are there any snakes in Alaska?
No — Alaska is one of only two US states with no native snake species (Hawaii is the other). The cold climate makes it impossible for cold-blooded reptiles to survive Alaska’s winters.
There have been unconfirmed reports of garter snake sightings in Southeast Alaska near the British Columbia border, but no specimens have been officially documented.
Why are there no snakes in Alaska?
Snakes are cold-blooded — they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Alaska’s extreme winters make it impossible for snakes to survive year-round. Even in Southeast Alaska, the warmest part of the state, winters are too harsh for snakes to establish themselves.
Are there any lizards in Alaska?
No — same reason as snakes. No native lizard species exist in Alaska. Cold-blooded reptiles simply can’t survive the state’s climate.
Are there frogs in Alaska?
Yes — Alaska has two native frog species: the Wood Frog and the Columbia Spotted Frog. The Wood Frog is particularly remarkable — it can survive being frozen solid during winter by entering a state of suspended animation.
Are there turtles in Alaska?
Not on land. Alaska has no freshwater or land turtles. However, four species of sea turtles have been spotted in Alaska’s coastal waters — Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley, and Loggerhead — though sightings are exceptionally rare. Only 39 documented sightings since 1960.
What reptiles and amphibians live in Alaska?
Alaska has six amphibian species — Wood Frog, Columbia Spotted Frog, Western Toad, Rough-skin Newt, Long-toed Salamander, and Northwestern Salamander — plus four occasional sea turtle visitors. No snakes, no lizards, no freshwater turtles.
Is Alaska safe from venomous snakes?
Completely — there are no venomous or non-venomous snakes of any kind native to Alaska. It’s one of the few places in North America where you can hike through wilderness without any concern about snake encounters.